The government of the Republic of Moldova has approved a draft law ratifying the country’s association with the European Union’s EU4Health programme. Participation in EU4Health will give access to EU funding to strengthen Moldova’s health system, including aspects related to digital transformation. 

The draft law ratifies the EU4Digital association agreement that was signed in Brussels on 7 February 2023. Joining this programme will allow the Republic of Moldova to participate in all tenders for projects. This will contribute to strengthening the capacities of the health system by increasing its resilience and the efficient use of resources, including for improving the level of preparedness for emergency situations.  

The Moldovan government anticipates that EU4Health participation will also improve the capacity to prevent diseases – especially cancer, strengthen the health workforce, facilitate access to medicines and medical products and contribute to digital transformation.  

The €5.3 billion budget of the EU4Health programme covers the period 2021-2027 and is intended for health institutions and non-governmental organisations in the EU or third countries linked to the programme. The Republic of Moldova will have access to financing under equal conditions with EU countries and other associated countries.  

The agreement with the EU regarding the accession of the Republic of Moldova to EU4Health provides that the health authorities of Moldova will be able to participate in joint actions intended for the health authorities in specific areas: mental health, the European Health Data Space, global health, non-communicable diseases, and in the EU network of integrated oncology centres. 

In addition, public or private health actors will be able to apply for funding to support actions such as tackling cross-border health threats, preventing chronic respiratory diseases, improving the mental health of vulnerable groups including displaced people, and improving health systems and services. 

The association agreement is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to support public health improvement and to provide assistance to displaced Ukrainian citizens in Moldova. The agreement will apply retroactively from 1 January 2023. 

Further information

See the announcement by the Moldovan Ministry of Health (in Romanian).